Space X's role in Golden Dome project sparks Democrat-led probe
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Democrats demand a Pentagon probe into SpaceX's role in the Golden Dome missile defense project, fearing favoritism toward Elon Musk.
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Elon Musk speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington (AP)
US Democratic lawmakers have called for a review of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's role in the Golden Dome missile defense project, according to a Reuters report on Thursday, which cited a letter the lawmakers sent to the acting US Defense Department Inspector.
42 Democrats, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Greg Casar, requested in the letter a probe into the project's procurement process due to concerns over Musk's SpaceX involvement, following reports from the news agency that the space company is a frontrunner to win a substantial part of the project.
"This is a deeply troubling report ... All of this raises concerns about whether defense contracts to build a Golden Dome are an effective way to protect Americans or are meant to enrich Mr. Musk and other elites," the Democrat lawmakers stated.
They requested that the US Defense Department Inspector General, Steven Stebbins, refer any findings to the Department of Justice for a potential criminal investigation.
They also expressed concern that the company’s proposed "subscription model", where the White House would pay for tech access rather than ownership, could limit the government’s control over development and pricing, giving Musk what they called unacceptable leverage over US national security.
President Donald Trump's January 27 executive order mandated that the Golden Dome architecture must incorporate defensive measures against ballistic, hypersonic, and advanced cruise missiles.
Additionally, the order urged the acceleration of hypersonic and ballistic missile tracking sensors in space, along with the development and deployment of space-based interceptors designed to neutralize missiles during their boost phase.
Trump's Golden Dome plan faces scrutiny
Donald Trump's "Golden Dome" defense project has faced significant backlash for being deemed unworkable in safeguarding US airspace and excessively expensive, according to CNN on March 23.
Numerous sources told CNN that the project has no strategic or financial significance, and sources believe the project represents an attempt to revive the Trump administration's previously vague plans to establish a missile defense system similar to "Israel's" Iron Dome.
Republican lawmakers introduced a $150 billion defense package, including $25 million to launch President Donald Trump's Golden Dome air defense system, as reported by The National Interest on April 29.
Modeled after "Israel's" Iron Dome system, the Golden Dome initiative seeks to establish the US mainland's first comprehensive defensive network against incoming missiles and drones.
"This legislation is a historic investment of $150 billion to restore America's military capabilities and strengthen our national defense," said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala.
